After the release of their highly successful first issue, Latino Co-Founders Charlie Nunez and Ariel Gonzalez, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief respectively, prepare to unleash the second serving of BRIDGEZ Magazine: Hip-Hop’s Latino Connection.
The second issue is set to feature Busta Rhymes, Mobb Deep, Mr. Cartoon, Chingo Bling, Voltio, Malverde, DJ Prostyle, and DJ Drama, to name a few. As for the cover, Gonzalez states that, “We want to keep it under-wraps for now, but without giving too much away, I will say that it unites a top reggaeton artist with a top hip-hop producer all on the same page; which is essentially a visual representation of what we are all about it.”
“Our target, demographically speaking,” continues Nunez, “is a cross-section of avid hip-hop fans and 18 to 34 year old Latinos – the largest growing minority group in the United States with an estimated buying power of more than $350 billion. But, our target in general is to create the paramount urban, lifestyle publication that connects mainstream markets to the relevant urban Latino experience.”
The first issue of BRIDGEZ Magazine featured reggaeton superstar Daddy Yankee on the cover, with a variety of Latino oriented articles inside that helped broaden the interest of advertisers and readers nationwide. “Our buzz is so crazy right now,” says Nunez. “Not just in NY, but all over, and especially in Cali. In fact, our buzz is so crazy out there that we recently added a West Coast Rep to our team to help manage the goings on, as well as help make sure that BRIDGEZ applies to Left Coast readers.”
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“While the magazine is meant to connect Latinos and Hip-Hop in general, we also want to connect the East to the West,” says Zio, West Coast Rep. “With BRIDGEZ being based in NY, and so many other urban publications being there as well, it’s very important to us that we give the West the shine it deserves – from the Bay to LA and beyond. For example, in this issue we have a feature on Mr. Cartoon, who pretty much embodies West Coast culture. Further, there is a dichotomy between the tastes of Latinos based in different U.S. locations and we want to make sure that we have something for everyone.”
Gonzalez and Nunez recently teamed up with Jose Cuervo. The pair will serve as judges for Cuervoton, a national event searching for the next hip-hop Latino or reggaeton idol. The event is planned for April and will take place in Los Angeles, Houston, Phoenix, Chicago, with the final event held in New York where the four remaining finalists will open for Chingo Bling, Tony Touch, and Wu Tang Latino’s Los Yo Yais. The winner will receive a variety of prizes, including a spot in BRIDGEZ Magazine. For more info on this event, or to send in your demo, check www.cuervoton.com .
The BRIDGEZ staff will also be releasing a DVD this month that includes interviews and live footage from Daddy Yankee, Pitbull, Kay Slay, Kanye West, Ivy Queen, Don Omar, Tru Life, Zion & Lenox, Tony Yayo, Tego Calderon, Jadakiss, Chingo Bling and more. Events covered are La Kalle Block Party at Madison Square Garden and The Latino Rap Conference New York City.
“No one is doing this for Latinos like we are,” says Gonzalez in closing. “From the interesting editorial to the banging photography, absolutely no one can compare.”
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Issue 2 of BRIDGEZ Magazine hits newsstands this month. Log onto www.BridgezMag.com for further details.
